Flying

[foodislove]

Jack was not a preemie, but was born with a significant vsd (hole in his heart) being treated by meds at the time and he was born small with feeding issues, so he has a lot of the same issues as a preemie. Most of my family has never met him, b/c we were unable to fly. Now that RSV season is almost over I have decided to take a trip. His cardiologist gave us the green light and we are set to leave next week. All of a sudden, I am panicking! I feel like maybe I am making a bad decision to expose him to the germs on a plane. B/c he tired so easily from the pressure on his heart, we stopped bf'ing at 3 months, so he is not getting the antibodies. I am traveling though with a friend who is nursing and might borrow some bm to put in his nose. I thought of getting the "infant armor" car seat cover, but although he's tiny enough for a infant carrier, he's a VERY active 8 month old, so I am not sure how long he'd last stuck in the car seat. Any experience, or advice on reducing germ exposure?

[Le Bec]

No advice Jenny, but I know what you mean! We're apparently okay to fly too but it scares the beegeebers out of me so we haven't done it yet.

[sbrinton]

We're flying for the first time with Zephan in about a month. He'll be almost 6 months, or 4 months adjusted. He's been healthy and we are breastfeeding, but I still think we'll be careful. Just the usual stuff...hand washing and keeping people out of his space.

How old is he? You may be able to do some other things to support his immune system. You can give babies probiotics and infant vitamins with extra vitamin C. I can't remember what it's called, but there was something intended to support our kids immune systems that we did before shots when our kids were at least 4 months old. Rescue remedy maybe?

[sbrinton]

I see now that you said 8 months. You can probably give him something to support his immune system. Have you ever seen a naturopath? They could probably suggest the right suppliment.

[juliav]

I've been lurking here for a while, but have never posted. Our LO was almost a month early and she was little (5lbs) and not breathing when she came out with the cord around her neck. But she pepped up right away and is fine now at 4 months old. We're taking our first flight at the start of April and I've been nervous too. We see a naturopath and he's got a little concoction just for flying that I can take and can give some to her too. He says it tastes pretty good
So we'll be bolstering our immune systems with that in addition to hand washing and keeping people away I'm planning on wearing her in her sling because people tend to be intimidated by it and don't try to touch her as much...is that mean of me? I just don't trust people not to touch a baby if they are ill!

[sarlusan]

Due to a family emergency I ended up flying with my 32 weeker about a month after her due date. She was still on an apnea monitor which threw the TSA people for a loop. In one airport they were pretty good about working around it, at the other they insisted that I turn it off, take her out of the Baby Bjorn, etc, etc. I was by myself so it was a hassle!

Germ wise we were fine, though - but it was May. I just kept her in that Baby Bjorn the whole time and didn't let anybody near her! An 8 month old, as you say, is going to be a little harder to contain though. I think you just have to wash your hands and try not to worry too much!

Good luck!

[sunflowers]

I took my dd tho Fl when she was 9mos (6 adj). It worked out perfectly with no problems, thankfully. We were still BFing and I got the OK from her docs, as well.

I'm sure it will be OK with the conclusion of RSV/flu season. I can relate to your nervousness, though! Have fun!!!

[noahs.mom06]

Faith wasn't early but is immune compromised b/c of her central line... and we flew commercial to get to Boston. I was terrified that she'd get sick... I kept her in the wrap the whole flight and cringed anytime someone coughed. She didn't get sick though! I've heard that sometimes flight attendants will tell you that you have to take the baby out of the wrap, if they told you that I would just tell them you have an immune compromised baby and you can't.